Selected morphological, cardiovascular and neuromuscular risk profiles among asymptomatic sedentary men performing Islamic prayer.

Background: This study investigated morphological, cardiovascular and neuromuscular profiles among asymptomatic sedentary men performing the Islamic prayer (Salaah). This study emphasised the need for an inquiry into unique sedentary populations who perform Islamic prayer as physical activity. Methods: An experimental study was conducted among male participants (n=20). Resting heart rate (RHR), resting systolic blood pressure (SBP), resting diastolic blood pressure (DBP), body mass index (BMI) and percentage body fat (BF%) were measured before a timed Salaah simulation activity. Electromyography (EMG) of the vastus medialis oblique (VMO) was measured for maximum voluntary contraction (MVC) and two movement transitions of the Islamic prayer (Salaah). Bilateral manual muscle strength (MMT) testing was also completed. Inferential and descriptive statistical analyses were performed using SPSS (IBM, V.27.0). Pearson's correlation coefficient was used to determine statistically significant relationships between variables. The level of significance was set at p<0.05. Results: Negative correlations between post-Salaah SBP and MVC average (r=-0.19; p=0.42) and between the post-Salaah DBP and the MVC average (r=-0.40; p=0.08) were not significant. Weak correlations were found between the MVC average and the right (r=0.14; p=0.56) and left (r=0.18; p=0.44) quadriceps femoris MMT values. Conclusions: This study demonstrated that individuals who performed the Salaah were reasonably healthy in terms of BMI, BF%, RHR, resting SBP, resting DBP, MMT and MVC average values. The study further demonstrated the electromyographic activity of the VMO muscle through the Salaah for two movement transitions of the prayer. Verily, this demonstrates preliminary evidence of EMG activity for the VMO muscle in those who perform the Salaah.

The Impact of COVID-19 on Male Semiprofessional Cricket Player's Mental Health and Performance Following the Resumption of Sporting Events.

The ability of a cricket player to manage their mental health helps them to perform optimally. This study investigated how mental health is related to performance of male cricket players during the resumption of sporting events after coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) restrictions. Mental health profiles were established using the Depression, Anxiety, Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21), Athlete Burnout Questionnaire (ABQ), and Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS) instruments among male semiprofessional cricket players (n = 63). Performance metrics included: body fat percentage (BF%), range of motion (ROM), push-abdominal test, crazy catch test, t-test, 40-m sprint, and Cooper's test. Inferential statistics included Spearman's correlations with a significance level set at α < .05. Spearman's correlation reported a statistically significant relationship for SWLS and body mass index (BMI) (r = -0.263; p = .037) as well as between stress and abdominal test (r = 0.355; p = .004); crazy catch test (r = 0.249; p = .049); Cooper's test (r = 0.335; p = .009), VO2max (r = 0.308; p = .014), stress and abdominal test (r = -0.313; p = .012); as well as anxiety and 40-m sprint (r = 0.488; p = .027). This study provides an important snapshot of how symptoms of mental health are associated with performance. Further research should investigate the relationship between mental health and performance parameters among male players at varied skill levels.

Effects of COVID-19 lockdown on physical, mental and emotional parameters among sportspersons.

Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) lockdown was a strange and new occurrence, which left many individuals ill-equipped to cope with the new way of living. Sportspersons had to adapt to a new training style within a new environment, both physically and mentally. Aim: The purpose of this study was to understand the physical, mental and emotional parameters among sportspersons during the COVID-19 lockdown regulations. Setting: The study consisted of 105 regular sportspersons (from South Africa). Methods: This was a quantitative research study design using an online questionnaire. An online questionnaire was adapted and distributed via online social platforms (WhatsApp, Twitter and Instagram) to collect data in which sportspersons (n = 105) answered questions about the effects that they experienced during lockdown on their physical, mental and emotional well-being. Results: Sportspersons participated in cardiovascular training, flexibility training, strength training and bodybuilding exercises during pre-lockdown. During lockdown, more than 74% of sportspersons had adequate training space, equipment and the time to perform physical activity. However, more than 43% of these sportspersons experienced a decrease in flexibility, muscle mass and muscle strength. Exercise was used as a form of stress relief by 77.1% of sportspersons throughout lockdown. In addition, sportspersons who used exercise as a form of stress relief continued to experience an increase in stress throughout lockdown. Conclusion: The outcomes from this study demonstrated how the COVID-19 lockdown had adverse effects on the overall health and well-being of most sportspersons. Other outcomes included the effects that physical inactivity had among sportspersons, including changes in diet and sleep. Contribution: This study highlights the urgency for the sports fraternity to adopt measures to provide various methods of stress relief (as well as opportunities for physical activity) during similar periods of lockdown (or exercise restrictions) for those who rely on exercise as their daily physical, mental and emotional outlet.

mHealth and e-Learning in health sciences curricula: a South African study of health sciences staff perspectives on utilisation, constraints and future possibilities.

BACKGROUND: Over the last decade, developments in e-Learning and technologies are creating the groundwork for health sciences and medical education. Literature demonstrates that we have yet to reach any form of consensus about which indicators are needed to assess and teach quality health sciences and medical education through technology or innovation. There is, therefore, a greater need for a tool or platform that is properly constructed, validated and tested within health sciences. METHODS: This paper presents a study, which is part of a larger research project assessing staff and students' perceptions of the importance and relevance of different aspects of e-Learning and mHealth in health sciences curricula at four universities in South Africa. The specific objectives of this study were to: (i) assess health sciences staffs' perceptions and understanding of these two applications; and (ii) establish challenges and opportunities of e-Learning and mHealth applications in the health sector, as well as perceptions on the importance and relevance of these applications to their curricula and future practices. A combination of Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) and a key-informant interview was used. A total of 19 staff from four universities participated. Atlast.ti was used for the data analysis and the findings were coded using a primarily deductive thematic coding framework. RESULTS: The findings revealed that not all staff members are equipped or trained with new applications or technologies, such as mHealth. Most participants believed that diverse technologies and tools could be integrated with mHealth and e-Learning. Furthermore, participants agree that a new multi-modal platform, in the form of a learning management system (LMS) with relevant applications (and possible plugins) integrated, tailored towards health sciences will benefit all stakeholders, and be valuable to higher education and health sectors. CONCLUSIONS: Digitalisation as well as digital citizenship is gradually being integrated into teaching and learning. It is imperative to adapt the health sciences curricula through constructive alignments and promote health sciences education in the current 4IR. This would allow graduates to be better prepared for digitalised practice environments.

Effects of COVID-19 lockdown on physical, mental and emotional parameters among sportspersons

Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) lockdown was a strange and new occurrence, which left many individuals ill-equipped to cope with the new way of living. Sportspersons had to adapt to a new training style within a new environment, both physically and mentally. Aim: The purpose of this study was to understand the physical, mental and emotional parameters among sportspersons during the COVID-19 lockdown regulations. Setting: The study consisted of 105 regular sportspersons (from South Africa). Methods: This was a quantitative research study design using an online questionnaire. An online questionnaire was adapted and distributed via online social platforms (WhatsApp, Twitter and Instagram) to collect data in which sportspersons (n = 105) answered questions about the effects that they experienced during lockdown on their physical, mental and emotional well-being. Results: Sportspersons participated in cardiovascular training, flexibility training, strength training and bodybuilding exercises during pre-lockdown. During lockdown, more than 74% of sportspersons had adequate training space, equipment and the time to perform physical activity. However, more than 43% of these sportspersons experienced a decrease in flexibility, muscle mass and muscle strength. Exercise was used as a form of stress relief by 77.1% of sportspersons throughout lockdown. In addition, sportspersons who used exercise as a form of stress relief continued to experience an increase in stress throughout lockdown. Conclusion: The outcomes from this study demonstrated how the COVID-19 lockdown had adverse effects on the overall health and well-being of most sportspersons. Other outcomes included the effects that physical inactivity had among sportspersons, including changes in diet and sleep. Contribution: This study highlights the urgency for the sports fraternity to adopt measures to provide various methods of stress relief (as well as opportunities for physical activity) during similar periods of lockdown (or exercise restrictions) for those who rely on exercise as their daily physical, mental and emotional outlet.

Cricket coaching and batting in the 21st century through a 4IR lens: a narrative review.

The aim of this narrative review is to document an understanding of cricket coaching in the context of South Africa and recognise the importance of technology and innovation for cricket (and sports in general) in the context of the fourth industrial revolution. In addition, an understanding of the evolvement of batting and factors contributing to successful batting as well as the links that exist between coaching manuals, coaching practice, skills and the individual player are outlined. Furthermore, tangible examples of technological and innovative applications that can be used to advance cricket coaching in the modern era are discussed.

Prevalence of muscle imbalance and its potential influence on injury among female acrobatic dancers.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of muscle imbalance among young adolescent acrobats (n=15) and if there was a potential link to injury. Methods: Isokinetic strength of the lower extremity, isometric strength of the trunk, and flexibility of both the trunk and lower extremity were assessed. Pearson correlation (r) and χ2 correlation tests were performed on all explanatory variables. Results: Significant correlations were found between isokinetic peak torque of the quadriceps and hamstrings (p=0.000) and the plantar flexors and dorsiflexors (p=0.000) on both sides, along with plantar flexor dominance (p=0.000). Non-significant findings were seen when identifying dominance between the quadriceps and hamstrings (p=0.933) as well as when correlating peak torque and flexibility of the lower extremity (right hamstrings: p=0.668, left hamstrings: p=0.338, right quadriceps: p=0.171, left quadriceps: p=0.707, right plantar flexors: p=0.282, left plantar flexors: p=0.382, right dorsiflexors: p=0.297 and left dorsiflexors: p=0.393). Conclusion: Acrobats demonstrated noticeably high ranges of flexibility, and the most common injury site was found to be the ankle. However, these mentioned injuries were not all due to acrobatic participation. The limited sample size warrants extensive research with a larger sample size to further verify or dispute the results found in this study. Muscle imbalances found within this population could increase the risk of injury.

Knowledge of cardiovascular disease risk and exercise duration among asymptomatic sedentary male individuals participating in Islamic prayer (Salaah).

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to investigate the knowledge of cardiovascular disease risk among asymptomatic sedentary males participating in Islamic prayer, alongside various exercise durations and age groups. METHODS: A cross-sectional study design was used. Sedentary male participants (n = 243) completed an online 78-point self-administered CVD risk questionnaire. Descriptive and inferential statistical methods were used to determine the research findings. For statistical rigour, participants were divided into two age groups. Participants were divided into three categories based on current exercise durations. Inter-group comparisons were completed using a one-way ANOVA, Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney test. The Pearson correlation coefficient was used to explore significant relationships. All statistical analyses were conducted using SPSS (Version 26, IBM). The level of significance was set at p < 0.05. RESULTS: The 21-30 age group 71.09% (7.53) and the 31-40 age group 72.74% (5.53) presented with Knowledge of CVD risk and prevention scores which indicated that older individuals were more knowledgeable about CVD risk and prevention. A significant difference [95% CI (- 6.76: 1.28), (p = 0.002)] existed among the 10-60-min and 61-140-min exercise duration categories. A significant difference (p = 0.006) was also found for inter-group comparisons. This result confirmed variability with duration categories. Significant differences were found between overall knowledge of CVD scores within the two age groups (p = 0.03). A negative correlation was demonstrated regarding knowledge of CVD risk and prevention, and duration of exercise (r = - 0.252; p = 0.000). CONCLUSIONS: Knowledge about CVD risk and prevention is crucial for understanding the risk factors for CVD. The older individuals become, the more knowledgeable they are of CVD risk and prevention factors. Results show more inactive people are less likely to seek out knowledge of CVD risk and prevention. The study recommends that sedentary populations should engage in public health information interventions, physical activity (such as Salaah) and healthy lifestyle modifications. This will inform, increase awareness, and improve understanding of prevention strategies and risk factors for CVD.

Automated recognition of the cricket batting backlift technique in video footage using deep learning architectures.

There have been limited studies demonstrating the validation of batting techniques in cricket using machine learning. This study demonstrates how the batting backlift technique in cricket can be automatically recognised in video footage and compares the performance of popular deep learning architectures, namely, AlexNet, Inception V3, Inception Resnet V2, and Xception. A dataset is created containing the lateral and straight backlift classes and assessed according to standard machine learning metrics. The architectures had similar performance with one false positive in the lateral class and a precision score of 100%, along with a recall score of 95%, and an f1-score of 98% for each architecture, respectively. The AlexNet architecture performed the worst out of the four architectures as it incorrectly classified four images that were supposed to be in the straight class. The architecture that is best suited for the problem domain is the Xception architecture with a loss of 0.03 and 98.2.5% accuracy, thus demonstrating its capability in differentiating between lateral and straight backlifts. This study provides a way forward in the automatic recognition of player patterns and motion capture, making it less challenging for sports scientists, biomechanists and video analysts working in the field.

Physical activity levels, lifestyle behaviour and musculoskeletal health profiles among seated video gamers during COVID-19.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this research study was to determine the physical activity levels of non-active video gamers, and to determine how much other time was spent with sedentary behaviours, both in recreational and occupational domains. METHODS: The study used the International Physical Activity Questionnaire, and investigated physical activity levels and health data of seated gamers. Typical weekly gaming habits, self-reported musculoskeletal pain and physical activity levels experienced by participants while gaming was also obtained. RESULTS: Out of a total of 102 participants, 69.6% stated that they game for 3 hours or more on a typical weekday. Most participants video game seated or reclined (96.1%, p=0.01), with only four participants engaging in some form of active video gaming. In relation to physical activity levels, despite the high frequency and duration of gameplay, 87.3% of participants stated they engaged in moderate-intensity physical activity (p=0.02). There was an association with video gaming and musculoskeletal pain, with over half of the participants stating they experienced pain while gaming. There was also a link between seated video gaming and musculoskeletal pain among participants. CONCLUSION: Findings from this study show that the high frequency and duration of video gaming among gamers does not affect physical activity for moderate and vigorous intensities, but does affect musculoskeletal pain. Further research is required to determine whether video gaming has a significant effect on lifestyle, sedentary habits and musculoskeletal health, especially in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic where sedentary behaviour has likely increased.

Challenges that healthcare practitioners experience in the comprehensive assessment of patients with non-communicable diseases: a preliminary investigation.

BACKGROUND: Resource allocation and access to comprehensive treatment in the public healthcare sector are always under pressure. This pressure takes the form of staff shortages, treatment models and the holistic care of patients, compromising basic healthcare in South Africa. OBJECTIVES: The study's aim was to determine the challenges that healthcare practitioners experience while assessing patients with non-communicable diseases, in private and public healthcare sectors in the Gauteng Province of South Africa. METHODS: The research design was exploratory and contextual. Qualitative data were collected through focus groups and semi-structured interviews among healthcare practitioners (n = 12). Data analysis took place using Atlas.ti 8.4 Windows (2020). Inter-rater reliability (r = 93.68%) was calculated to ensure the rigour and validity of the results. RESULTS: From the discussion, four themes emerged: 1) limited consultation time; 2) overwhelming economic impact and healthcare cost for facilities and patients; 3) holistic patient care encompassing physical, mental and socioeconomic components; and 4) lack of patient education due to time constraints experienced by healthcare practitioners. CONCLUSION: Consultation times are reduced due to a shortage of medical staff, patient numbers, equipment, and poor working conditions. By improving these conditions, patients across all socioeconomic groups will be better assisted, treated, and educated, benefiting from equal access and quality healthcare.

A Systematic Review of the Batting Backlift Technique in Cricket.

There has been an extensive amount of research into the batting elements of cricket. However, there is limited research specifically on the batting backlift technique (BBT). Therefore, this review aims to provide an understanding and consensus of the BBT in cricket at varied skilled levels. A PRISMA flow chart revealed 38 studies that were reviewed (both coaching and scientific literature), which reported on the backlift in cricket. The databases searched were PubMed, Google Scholar, the Cochrane Library and Sabinet. This review shows that the lateral batting backlift technique (LBBT) is a likely contributing factor to successful batsmanship at all levels of cricket ability (junior, adolescent, semi-professional, professional, international and former elite/successful cricketers). It was also found that coaching a LBBT to young batsmen may be challenging to teach, and therefore, further coaching models should be developed to assist cricket coaches. As much as a LBBT may be a contributing factor for success, there is still a need to answer a number of questions through further in-depth biomechanical investigations and through interventions that are more meticulous. A way forward for further research in this area of cricket batting is documented at the end of the review.

Comparison of Body Mass Index and fat percentage criteria classification of 7-13 year-old rural boys in South Africa.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this paper was to investigate whether BMI and fat percentage classification criteria, would classify a sample of 7-13 year old boys from a rural background in similar nutritional categories. METHODS: A cross-sectional study with a stratified random sampling included 601 rural boys (7-13 years old). Fat percentage criteria classification and BMI were calculated and compared. Maturity status, and age at peak height velocity (PHV) were indirectly determined. Statistical techniques included descriptive statistics, Pearson product correlation coefficients, the Kappa agreement test and the McNemar's test. The level of statistical significance was set at p ≤ 0.05. RESULTS: All age groups presented with statistically significant high correlations between BMI and fat percentage, and low to medium correlations between fat percentage and maturity age (MA). Measurement of agreement between BMI and fat percentage classifications showed poor to fair agreements for all age groups, with the exception of the eight-year old group which presented a moderate agreement. CONCLUSIONS: Classifications based on BMI and fat percentage, results in different classifications for the same population. Until further research has been done to determine the best classification for nutritional status, it is recommended that both classification methods be used for more accurate classification of nutritional status.

A mathematical model to guide the re-opening of economies during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Despite rigorous global containment and quarantine efforts, the incidence of the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), also known as COVID-19, continues to surge, with more than 12 million laboratory-confirmed cases and over 500,000 deaths worldwide (as of 11 July 2020). Aside from the continued surge in cases and the imperatives of public health concern and saving lives, economic devastation is also mounting with a global depression now seeming inevitable. There is limited attention directed towards people who have recovered from the virus and whether this metric can be useful in guiding when the economy can be re-opened. In this paper, a simpler model is presented in order to guide various countries on the (possible) re-opening of the economy (or re-opening in stages/phases) alongside risk categories and ratios. Factors that need to be considered when applying the model include the healthcare capacity in terms of the number of hospitals, beds and healthcare workers that are available to capacitate this virus. In addition, population size, physical distancing measures, socio-economic disparities, lockdown regulations in each country, and more importantly - the amount and accuracy of testing conducted, is also imperative to consider. Decisions adopted by leaders around the world have the most difficult decision to make (yet), and have to weigh up on what really matters; health or wealth. It is suggested that this model be applied in a number of states/counties and countries in order to gauge the risk of their location being re-opened, by observing their total number of recoveries in proximity to total number of cases.

A comparative analysis of Donald Bradman and Steven Smith: what are their secrets?

There has been growing evidence on the batting backlift technique in cricket at varying levels of cricket ability and the way in which batsmen direct or manoeuvre their bat in various ways. Most recently, there has been elevated awareness and discussion around the technique of Steven Smith. To an extent, there has been some comparison and reference been made to Sir Donald Bradman. Both Donald Bradman and Steven Smith have exhibited techniques and movements at the crease which many regard as 'unorthodox' or 'unnatural'. This paper compares each of the batting technique components of both batsmen. The paper describes that both Bradman and Smith held their bat with an open grip which allowed them to hit the ball in most scoring areas of the field. The most common element that both batsmen demonstrate is a backlift that is directed towards the gulley or point region, otherwise known as the rotary method of batting, which is contrary to most of the coaching literature. Future research would require objective measures on Steven Smith to fully understand the kinetics and kinematics associated with his batting technique. The variances of performance averages across other formats (one-day internationals and 20-20 cricket) must be noted.

Coaching implications of the lateral batting backlift technique in men's cricket: a discussion and food for thought.

Cricket coaching manuals published after 2009 accept as a norm for batsmen to lift the bat in the direction of the slips. A mixed-methods study conducted among 161 coaches around the world showed that most cricket coaches (83%) coach the straight batting backlift technique (SBBT) as opposed to the lateral batting backlift technique (LBBT) at various proficiency levels of the game. The LBBT (more beneficial for cricket batsmen) is one in which the bat is lifted laterally in the direction of second slip or gully. Using this technique, the face of the bat faces towards point or the off-side. In contrast, the backlift in which the bat is lifted towards the stumps or first slip and the face of the bat points towards the wicket-keeper or the ground, is known as the SBBT. This paper attempts to provide implications for coaching the LBBT and understanding some important aspects of cricket batsmanship in men's cricket.

The business of medicine and surgery with medical aid: Time for regulation and legislation?

The medical and surgical professions have dominated the health sciences for the past few centuries. As these disciplines evolve with practice, new methods, research, and the cost implications for both the healthcare practitioner and patient have increased substantially. The practice of medicine and other health science occupations have also evolved over the years due to the escalation of various diseases and mortality rates. It is however common knowledge that inadequate lifestyles coupled with a lack of movement; inadequate diet and mindsets have contributed to this debilitating epidemic we are currently plagued with. Due to this rapid evolvement, one cannot oversee the business involvement behind medicine and surgery. From one perspective, there is a majority of people in third world countries that cannot afford medical aid rates while the other shows the minority of patients that continue their treatment and live an inadequate lifestyle. Furthermore, one could argue that medical aid companies have capitalized on the notion of people affected by ill health in order to acquire monetary goals. The aim of this article is to showcase the business involvement of medicine and surgery with medical aid and to motivate the reasons for regulation and legislation across varied sectors. We would advocate a need to facilitate and streamline appropriate healthcare practice through transparency, patient awareness and ethical behaviours from all stakeholders involved.